A couple has made their final preparations for the London Marathon by inviting friends for a curry night.

Melanie Rayner and Simon Knight are running the 26.2mile course on Sunday and ditched their trainers for a three-course banquet at the Cinnamon Tree in Halstead High Street on Monday.

Restaurant owner Raj Mohammed kindly agreed to donate the £275 takings to the pair, who are running for Phab Kids - a charity which organises activities for disabled people and their families.

The charity helps her friend’s brother who has Down’s Syndrome.

Melanie and Simon, who are due to get married in June, have now raised a total of £1,550 towards their £1,650 target.

She said: "Everyone at the Cinnamon Tree did a great job, serving all 23 friends and family with what seemed like an endless supply of delicious Indian food.

"We would like to thank Raj and his team at the Cinnamon Tree for a really fabulous evening, also all our lovely friends who came along to support us."

To donate, go to uk.virginmoneygiving.com/SimonKnight3.